Pencil Ten Frame Activity

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Back to school season is a busy time, and school supplies are often on the brain! At the beginning of the year in math we focus a lot on numbers and counting, including several activities that use ten frames.  This pencil ten frame math activity is a perfect math center for Pre-K or Kindergarten students to practice number identification, counting, and one to one correspondence! Work on teen numbers too with our 20 frame version. 

Pencil Ten Frame Activity

This math center is easy to prepare. Simply print the pencils (which are numbered 1-10) and laminate them for repeated use. After cutting them apart, place them in a baggie or basket so that they are easily accessible.

Then, print out the recording sheet for however many students will be playing. You can also put it inside a dry erase pocket and use with markers so that it is reusable.

RELATED ACTIVITY: BACK TO SCHOOL CENTERS

I typically play the game first in guided small groups, then I have it as an independent math center.

First, we “pick a pencil” just like the name of the game. We say the number shown on the pencil, then we write it on the pencil on the recording sheet.

Finally, we use a crayon (you could use stickers too for some fun fine motor practice) to color in the ten frame to match.

I work with my kids on filling them in from the top left and over, as that is what they will typically encounter as the begin to subitize (recognize instantly without counting) dots in ten frames throughout the year, but you could choose to let them do scatter formation too, depending on your focus.

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Alex

Founder at The Kindergarten Connection

Alex is a Transitional Kindergarten teacher with a passion for making learning fun and engaging. She's earned a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, and Masters Degrees in Special Education and Curriculum Design. Alex is a former night owl turned early bird and playful learning enthusiast. Alex lives with her husband and their beloved and high-energy cat, Fitz.

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